Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma lawsuits for a long time after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. mesothelioma attorney is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (http://0lq70ey8yz1b.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=305949). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.